The True Secret of Success

I’m doing a final review of a project when an unexpected wave of fear sweeps over me. I suddenly remember (as all artists do at some point) that the work I have completed in the quiet will soon be seen by a crowd.

I’m not alone in that feeling. The accountant who must present her spreadsheets in a meeting knows it. The mom whose child is launching into the world understands it. The runner who trains on the back roads and then takes her place at the starting line battles it.

And in those moments we all want assurance of success.

I began to ask, “How can I make sure this goes well?” And a verse from Proverbs popped into my mind: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” {Prov. 16:3} I paused and considered the words. Was this a guarantee from God that everything would go the way I’d like? Life experience and the rest of His Word would seem to tell me otherwise.

Slowly I began to see the true meaning: Success isn’t about outcome; it’s about obedience.

The “success” this verse talks about is set in motion not when the results are in but as soon as we say, “God, I give this to You.” He thinks differently than we do. To Him, every obedient “yes” is already a success.

I’ll confess a part of me wishes that verse meant what I want will always happen, too. But when I look back over my life I realize there have been many times when what I thought would be best would actually have been a mess.

And the real relief is that when I commit something to God, I no longer have to carry it. I don’t bear the weight of the expectations, fears and pressure. I can faithfully do what He’s asked and know He will take care of the rest. Whew.

I return to my project and the familiar fear fades with this realization: WhoI’mturning this over to matters more than how it all turns out.

God’s got this. He’s got me too. And whatever happens next, in His eyes it will be a success.

P.P.S. Yesterday, my friend Kim’s book released! I was happy and honored to provide this endorsement for An Imperfect Women: Letting Go of the Need to Have It All Together: “As someone who has struggled with perfectionism and anxiety for most of my life, Kim Hyland’s words are life and breath and freedom to me. This is a message every woman needs to hear–not just once but many times.”

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Right now, we’re doing a special link-up series to celebrate Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely. You’re a fiercehearted woman so I’m asking you to pour out a little love and courage with your words every Wednesday {the link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post, especially if it’s about living fully and loving bravely, and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.

When you link up your post, take a moment to leave an encouraging comment on the one that’s linked up just before yours. Thanks, friends!

Comments

I can relate. Some of the things I “thought” would be best in my life- turned into a big ol mess! I love your statement that it’s not about how it turns out, but about who we are turning it over to! Good!

Heavens, yes! I have had to undergo some pretty drastic renovations to my definition of “success,” and the emphasis has to remain focused on the first part of that great verse (committing my work to the Lord).

Holley, this post speaks to me since I just completed something I know God wanted me to do, yet if I dwelt on the results the inner critic in me may try to discount all my hard work. I want to focus on God, not the outcome — thank you. I get to review Kim’s book..so thankful and excited!

Makes me think of Joshua 1:8. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth…meditate therein…observe to do according to all that is written…then thou shalt have good success.” It’s quite the eye opener to realize that to succeed in God’s book, all we have to do is know His will and then do it (which sounds so simple). But we build up all sorts of unrealistic expectations for ourselves and then wonder why God didn’t give us success when we’re following Him.
Thanks for this reminder. Very encouraging, as always.

Success as the world sees it is about outcome. Amounts of money, size of house, kind of car we drive that is Satan’s view of success. God’s view turns the world upside down. It is about being obedient in the little things. Praying about everything & putting it in God’s hands. He will help us succeed. Thanks for the encouragement!

You have not idea how much I needed to be reminded of this verse,”Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” {Prov. 16:3} I honestly dont’ even have any more words. I just want to ponder that verse. Thank you!!!

Thank you for your kind encouragement today. I’m being flung into a season of “uncertainty” where the only certain thing is that my GOD will take care of me. I was scared and hesitant and I know that is exactly why I have to jump in with both feet. I know He will catch me. He has a plan and I just need to follow Him… Thank you again. I love that He is able to send up loving confirmation from “strangers.” I hope you have a blessed day Miss Holley.

Thank you Holley!! Your writings are always spot on for me. I don’t always get to read them when they come through my email BUT when I read them they are at exactly the right time. I really enjoy your style of writing, it just pulls me right in. Obedience?!?! Not a word people are familiar with or like to hear. My husband always says, “obedience without consequences”. I love it because I am also more of a perfectionist! I was told by a woman I was speaking to a few weeks ago, mind you I didn’t know her, and she told me she was being moved by the Spirit to tell me that perfectionism was an idol! Ouch! But that is truly what I needed to hear that day. I have had anxiety most of life and has been quite bad at times since I’ve become a Christian. Last year I spent much of my prayers seeking why or where the condemnation I had in certain areas was coming from. Now I know that condemnation comes from the enemy but I asked God to search my heart and guide me to why I couldn’t except His grace in certain areas. And do you know what? Lol He showed me over the course of this last year. So when she was moved to tell me this about my perfectionism, I was able to hear that is was from God. Oh God, You are soooo faithful there is NO God like You. Persevere sweets sisters holding on to the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us!!!